$18 for Floral-Arranging Class and a Dozen Roses at Houston School of Floral Design ($30 Value)

Houston

In a Nutshell

Take home your floral creation

Learn basics of flower care & arrangement

Texas-certified school

The Fine Print

Promotional value expires Jun 10, 2010. Amount paid never expires.Limit 1 per person. May buy multiple as gifts. New students only. Must call to schedule class; subject to availability.Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.

Houston School of Floral Design

Stop waiting for secret admirers, flower deliverymen, and unattended rose bushes for your empty vase needs with today’s Groupon. For $18, control your own floral forecast with a two-hour floral arrangement class from Houston School of Floral Design. In this course, you’ll learn the basics of proper stem alignment and take home a dozen roses arranged in the shape of your own face or in any other shape to your liking.

From elements and principles of design to care and handling, this introductory course will teach you all the basics of bundling your own blooms. Included in the course fee are flowers, filler flowers, greenery, a vase, tape, flower food, and use of Houston School's tools. Classes are offered several times a month at a variety of times. Click here to view the 2010 schedule.

In terms of hobbies, floral arrangement is less time-consuming than knitting and less caloric than baking. If you’re still saving up to fill your space with furniture and electronics, flowers can help to temporarily dress up your dwelling. Gifting friends, loved ones, or lonely strangers with your self-bundled bouquets instantly brightens up days and will set you on a positive karmic path.

Reviews

Testimonials on Houston School of Floral Design’s site rave about its expert instructors:

I knew when I took the orientation class and made my first pink rose arrangement that I was hooked on flower arranging and wanted to learn more. I signed up for all the classes that very day. I signed up for all the classes that very day. Pat Hermes' knowledge of floral arranging is huge. – Linda M.

...I have been enjoying my time at The Houston School of Floral Design, so much so, that I have started my own company in Sugar Land. – Melissa Glenn Michels

Saddened Celebrity Designer: Cesar T. Philadelphia

Though he’s not an instructor at the Houston School of Floral Design, celebrity decorator Cesar T. Philadelphia is one of the most respected veterans in the industry. His secret to successful design? “I’m very, very lonely. Please let me into your home,” brags the spirited Philadelphia. “I’m not joking,” he adds, “a lot of my friends moved after college and I don’t have anyone to share myself with.”

Here are some of Cesar’s decorating tips (and you know they come with a side of his outrageous personality!):

A colorful rug can center the eyes toward the middle of a room, stimulating conversations. I have an extra one. I can just give it to you. Maybe we can talk for a while after to see if it works.

Get some live plants. They add color, vivaciousness, and you can talk to them or play them some of your love songs that no one else will ever hear.

I’m not doing anything on Tuesday. Or Wednesday either. Or this weekend. I could come over any or all of those times. Please.

The Houston School of Floral Design

Angela Henry, director of the Houston School of Floral Design, calls flowers "the physical manifestation of emotions." Within a spacious design studio, students learn to arrange flowery shoots and sprays to communicate these feelings. A cluster of azaleas symbolizes goodwill, while camellias convey affection. The classroom's individual design desks, prep and demonstration areas, and view of a nearby wooded ravine encourage creativity without the threat of tests or grades. Open for education year-round, the school rolls out new classes every month, covering subjects such as introductory floral design and special occasions, from weddings to bee birthdays.